It seems such a long time since my last blog back in January when it was cold and snowy but the daffs are finally here and I even had some snowdrops and bluebells finally flower this week!Spring is often a time for ‘spring cleaning’ (yuck!), planting seeds and generally making plans for the summer months. I’m looking forward to spending some more time in the garden tending my mini herb & veg garden (which was my New Years’ resolution) and, at the moment, I’m managing to keep most of them alive!

It’s just the same here at NRAS as we’re all really busy preparing for our first ever RA awareness week – there’s a way for everyone to get involved. All our Members were sent a copy of our RA week poster so please do put it up in your local surgery, clinic, library or community centre. If you are not a Member or you would like extra copies, please do get in touch with Andrew at media@nras.org.uk Look out for more information on our plans over the coming weeks....

The membership team are also busy finalising plans for our 2nd Members’ Day, which this year will be held at Solihull College, Birmingham on Thursday 19th September from 10.30am to 4.30pm. We’re very excited to have Dr Holly John BMBS, MRCP presenting who is a specialist registrar and clinical research fellow at Dudley Hospital. In the past, NRAS Members have contributed to her research on cardiovascular disease in RA. The day will also include smaller workshops on a wide variety of topics and refreshments will be provided. NRAS Members are free to attend, an excellent benefit of membership, but we also welcome non-members/guests for a small fee of £5. Email membership@nras.org.uk to register your place or visit our website nras.org.uk/join to join the us today!

After my excellent experience volunteering for the Olympics last year, I’m delighted to see so many enthusiastic people attending our RA Roadshow volunteer training days. Our Volunteer Network team have just got back from their Manchester roadshow and their fourth, and last, will be in Bristol on 5th June (which is actually National Volunteering Week!) so what better way to get involved in our work – do give the team a call if you’re interested in attending 0845 458 3969.

The Members Day is free for NRAS members but anyone with RA, and of course any guests they want to bring, are also welcome to attend (whether carers, family or friends). We just ask for a small fee of £5 for non-members. Our volunteer network team held a training day at Solihull college a few weeks ago and were very impressed with the venue. They stayed at the DeVere Village in Solihull because they were doing a deal for £69 including breakfast and dinner however there is plenty of choice hotel wise including Ramada, Holiday Inn and Premier Inn all nearby. If you have any further questions do get in touch with me direct emmas@nras.org.uk and I'll do what I can to help.